MULBERRY HOLLOW is the second book in the Riverbend series by Denise Hunter. Its Avery’s story and it is sure to pull on the reader’s heart strings. It will surely give you all the feels, let me tell you. My emotions were all over the place and I was giggling one minute and tearing up, the next. I really liked the setting of the small town of Riverbend and the connection to the Appalachian Trail and its history. I really got to know the people of this beautiful, small North Carolina town and I also know I will fall more in love with all of these characters as each book releases.

MULBERRY HOLLOW is a wonderful story of a blended family that will worm their way into your heart. Avery is the small town’s doctor. One night when she arrives at her home, which is above her doctor’s office, she almost stumbles over Wes. He has been hiking the trail and is very sick. He needs help, has no where to go, and is a complete stranger. So of course, Avery allows him to stay with her. Hang on to your seats! The twists and turns will keep you flipping the pages long into the night. Avery has a big secret that she doesn’t share with just anyone!

MULBERRY HOLLOW is a quick read that you can easily read in one sitting and love every minute of it. It is one heck of a crazy emotional roller coaster ride. I have never met a Denise Hunter book that I didn’t love and once I started reading I knew I was going on one heck of an emotional journey! Whatever you are reading, put it down, and run and get this book! If you’ve never read a Denise Hunter novel (and you know who you are) this would be a perfect one to hook you!



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

The second installment of the Riverbend series, Mulberry Hollow was just as brilliant as the first.

The story centers around Dr. Avery Robinson who graduated in record time and rushed back to her small hometown to set up a clinic. Caring for the community, on the edge of the Appalachian trail is Avery’s main focus after losing her mother to a devastating condition, one she has a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting.

Wes Garrett is hiking the trail in honor of the friend who saved his life. His trip is halted when a medical emergency forces him to seek help in Riverbend Gap. Wes has no insurance to repay Avery for her services, so, he offers to work off the debt by fixing up an apartment for the extra doctor she desperately needs to hire.

The brilliant characters and real-world issues in this story kept me up reading way beyond the time common sense dictated. And I don’t regret one extra application of concealer. We’ve now heard from two of the Robinson clan, and the third installment should be equally amazing. Roll on Fall…

I love the Appalachian Mountains and I love Denise Hunter's books! Need I say more! This is the second book in the Riverbend series and was just as good, if not better, than the first book! Avery is still the only doctor at her clinic and on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, when an ill hiker stumbles to the clinic. Wes has no insurance and offers to do repairs around the clinic when he recovers. Avery is committed to the clinic and Wes has promised to take care of a friend's sister in New York so there appears to be no future for the two of them! I recommend Mulberry Hollow to others! I received an e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion,

Denise Hunter continues her Riverbend series with youngest sister, Avery Robinson's story. As older brother, Cooper, and her best friend, Katie, plan their wedding, Avery begins to feel the weight of her decision to remain single.

At 9 years old, Avery watched helplessly as her mother died from the disease that had been attacking her body for years. She went to medical school so that she would never again feel that helpless in a situation that required a doctor. She also made the decision to never marry, never have children, because she knows that she has a 50% chance of being a carrier of the disease. Until Wes Garrett collapses - literally on her doorstep - she's really never been tempted to change her decision. Can she hold fast to her choices when all she wants are Wes' arms around her?

Wes Garrett is hiking the Appalachian Trail in honor of the friend who gave his life protecting Wes. Halfway to the goal, a virus fells him. Fortunately, he's able to make it to the clinic doorstep in Riverbend, where Dr. Robinson takes him in. Feeling strongly about being debt free, he offers to rehab a house on the clinic property. As he works for Avery and spends time with her, he begins to wonder if the plans he's made in his mind are the plans God has for him. He's falling hard for Dr. Avery but he's mentally committed to another, someone he's met only through letters and phone calls. How can he choose when he loves them both?

Avery is in a super tough spot - one she only makes worse by sticking her head in the sand. I love her dad and his way of offering advice but not forcing it on his kids - he places two pennies (his two cents) on the counter. If they pick it up, he gives them his "two cents". If they don't, he says nothing. He did this with Cooper in Riverbend Gap, and again with Avery in Mulberry Hollow. It was a sweet moment in both books, and there was so much wisdom in the advice he gave.

If you've read Denise Hunter's books before - and I think I've read them all - you'll definitely want to pick this sweet romance up. There's plenty of slow-burn romance, and a lovely HEA at the end. Readers of sweet romance can't go wrong with Denise Hunter. I absolutely recommend this!

Mulberry Hollow is the second book in the Riverbend series. It is set in North Carolina in a little town off the Appalachian Trail. Wes Garrett is hiking the Trail when he gets sick and gets to the little town to seek help. Avery is a doctor with a small clinic and she helps Wes. As he grows stronger, she lets him work off his medical debt by working as a contractor on her rental property. They develop a strong connection but there are complications - Wes feels obligated to his best friend's sister, and Avery worries that she may carry the family gene for Huntington's Disease.

As the second book in the Riverbend series, this novel includes characters I remember and like from the first book. However, I also think it could work as a standalone read.

I really like the characters in this series - especially the family of siblings that includes Avery, Cooper, and Gavin. Wes is very likable too, and I was really pulling for Avery and Wes and their slow building love story.

The small town setting is charming; Denise Hunter does a great job at setting the scene. I love the Great Smoky Mountains and can just picture this little town.

I recommend this Mulberry Hollow - and the Riverbend series - for fans of small town romance. I'm already looking forward to book #3!

This was my favorite of the trilogy. I enjoyed Avery and Wes, they had good chemistry and a fun story. Loved the small town setting and supporting cast. Ms Hunter always writes such likable characters with depth and personality. Enjoyable storytelling.

Oh goodness ,this book will haunt me for a while .

Firstly what is not to love about this cover *sigh*. Mulberry Hollow tells the story of Wes Garrett (the most swoonworthy handyman ) and Avery Robinson (doctor) who have the sweetest meet cute in history . I enjoyed how this story was of grief, healing ,new beginnings and love. It also touched on the burdens parents put on their children . I found myself relating to Wes who was terribly crippled with the fear of owing anyone and Avery who was terrified of being a burden to her loved ones. You cannot read this book and not be tugged. I recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own

Avery Robinson the local doctor is suffering from burn out. She needs to hire another doctor for her practice. Wes Garrett is on the Appalachian Trail walking to finish his late best friends wishes. West has promised to take care of his friend's sister now.
Wes is sick and walks to Avery's clinic and is too sick to continue the trail and ends up working off his medical bill working on Avery's cottage. Avery needs the cottage if she can attract a new doctor to the area.
Avery and Wes form a close friendship and really enjoy each other's company. Both are keeping secrets.
I enjoyed Avery and Wes story more than the previous story in book 1.

Another cute read from Denise Hunter. It was pretty predictable but I really enjoyed the handyman hero since my husband is much the same. I also liked the character growth Avery went through as she dealt with her past and her concerns about her future health.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Oh my goodness I absolutely loved Wes and Avery. Their story was amazing. I felt like I was in their circle of friends while reading and felt as though I lost friends when I got to the end.

“A journey to happily ever after”
Denise Hunter’s writing style is so endearing and comforting. She is one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend her books to anyone looking for clean, slow burn, uplifting stories.
Mulberry Hollow is the second book in the Riverbend series. The first book, Riverbend Gap, was a 5 star read for me and so is Mulberry Hollow. These can be read as a standalone, but I encourage you to read them in order.
Main characters are Avery and Wes. Avery is a doctor in the small town of Riverbed Gap and Wes is a hiker who falls ill while walking the Appalachian Trail. When the two meet unexpectedly, their adventure begins.
I don’t like saying too much and spoiling this wonderful, heartwarming read for you. I encourage and recommend you pick up this Christian based series as soon as possible. You will not regret it.
I soooo look forward to reading the next book in the series!!!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been a fan of Denise Hunter for years so Mulberry Hollow was a must read for me. This series has two of my favorite things in it, a beautiful North Carolina setting and a storyline centered around siblings. This book focuses on Avery, the only sister in the family. She is a doctor and meets Wes when he gets sick while hiking the Appalachian Trail. There seems to be an instant spark between them, but they both try to fight what they are feeling due to issues they are facing in their own lives.
I enjoyed getting to know Avery and Wes' stories and getting updates from characters we met in book one. This book tackles some difficult topics such as health scares and survivor's guilt, but they are all handled so beautifully.
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Although this is a series, this story can definitely be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to Harvest Moon, the last book in the series releasing this fall.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ebook of this story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Denise Hunter did it again! Mulberry Hollow is the perfect follow up to Riverbend Gap and I am now eagerly waiting for book three, Harvest Moon, which publishes in September 2022.

This time we get Avery’s story but still see some of her family and friends from book one of this series. Riverbend Gap is such a pretty little town that makes you feel like you’d be right at home there. If you’re in need of an escape for an afternoon or two I highly recommend reading Mulberry Hollow and meeting up with Wes and Avery.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this sweet little romance. All opinions are my own.

Mulberry Hollow was published on April 19, 2022

What a delight to return to Riverbend Gap for book two in Denise Hunter's Riverbend Series. When Wes Mathews hikes into town crazy sick and manages to get himself to the doctor's office, his and Avery's story begins. Wes is in need of medical care, Avery is the only doctor that can provide it, and Wes is very opposed to taking on debt. When he proposes a trade, Avery is quick to accept because she has a need and Wes seems to be the only person around that can help her. I really enjoyed Wes and Avery's story. Their quick friendship, instant attraction, and banter was quite fun to read. Everything about it felt organic and well thought out. The difficulties that stand in each of their way also felt real. I appreciate how Ms. Hunter writes people that are just like you and me. With life problems, struggles, and emotions. The flow of the story is well done and will keep you turning pages until the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Avery has finished medical school, is now a medical doctor and has returned to her small hometown of Riverbend where she has opened her own practice. It fills a great need in the small town, but Avery is overworked, overstressed and in desperate need to hire another doctor to help with the caseload.
While Avery is very successful in her career, she has great fear regarding her own physical status. She watched her mother die with a genetic illness. Avery has a chance of also having it, but is too fearful to have the testing done to find out. The one time she fell in love, ended as soon as she told him of the possibility. Avery has decided to not get in another relationship, to never marry or have children. How could she put them through what she and her family went through with her mother?
Then...Wes Garrett ends up passed out in front of her clinic. He was hiking the Appalachian Trail, fulfilling a dream of his friend, when he became very ill.
Wes has his own demons driving him. A promise he made as his friend lay dying. But, it seems Someone else has other plans for both Wes and Avery.
A very engaging story of how best laid plans can go awry.
While I enjoyed this story, Christianity wasn't a strong theme, which was a disappointment. Also, a bit too much information in the romance department. Her 'skin tingled with want' is not what I expect nor wish to read in a book that falls under the Christian Fiction genre. Would have been a great story if that was omitted.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Mulberry Hollow was my third book from Mrs. Hunter. This one was again a simple clean read filled with lots of emotions and hopes. I loved how the story was developing and although it was a little bit predictable I loved the outcome.
Avery and Wes fit quite well and the reader was able to feel the growth of their affection through the whole story. I also have to add that I truly love this author's descriptions of everything. Those are always quite detailed and visual as if the view was directly painted in front of you. Anyway I can only recommend to everyone who loves clean and emotional read.

Denise Hunter is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Mulberry Hollow did not disappoint as I spent the pages with Ava and Wes. Theirs is far from a straight shot to a happily ever after, but it’s an enjoyable journey. A perfect next book from one of my favorites.

Boy did I love this book! All of the family and characters blended well, storyline flowed all the way through. The two mains have great backgrounds. Avery worked so hard to become a doctor. This book is mostly about her. The author sprinkles in her friends and Kate who will marry her brother. Her brothers show up here and there to act like arrogant protecting brothers, but we like them too.

The Wes character has some stellar personality traits, like wanting to pay back debts that his father incurred using his identity. That was the part where I needed more of that story. His loyalty to his friend who save his life was really strong too. So loyal to his memory that he wants to finish the Appalachian Trail hike in his memory. There should have been some sponsor or fundraiser for this so it felt more authentic. I mean if you do it with no recognition then why do it? His vow to help his sister Lilian was great.

So much to love and I don’t hate Lillian anymore

Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter is a lovely book set in a beautiful setting. It is book 2 in the Riverbend Romance series. This is Wes and Avery's story, and I could not love these two characters more. Motivated by a desire to help others, both are driven in their lives and set on a certain path until their worlds collide. I also adore Riverbend Gap, and this place adds so much to the story. Readers of clean romance will love this book, and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Mulberry Hollow
by: Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelson
Genre: Romance
Pub Day: April 19, 2022

Pack your suitcase for a journey to Riverbend Gap, North Carolina! You'll also need a backpack, trail mix, and hiking boots, because this quaint town is near the Appalachian Trail. Romance and adventure await you in the second book in the Riverbend Romance Series by Denise Hunter.

Not only do I adore the natural setting of this small mountain town, but I love the main character, Avery. She is dedicated to her job as the community physician. Avery is smart, independent, and ambitious, hoping to expand her medical practice. She is also close to her family, with brother and sister relationships prominent in this series. Providing medical assistance to injured hikers is common for Avery, such as the scruffy Wes Garrett, who shows up ill at the clinic.

Hunter gives extensive dimension to Avery and Wes' characters and writes a pleasing storyline that fully immersed me in her fictional community. Avery has a fifty percent chance of inheriting the disease that claimed her mom's life, and Wes is hiking in memory of someone special. Both of them seem to have old, compassionate souls and are drawn together in friendship as he stays in town to heal. Their relationship is mature and not rushed.

Although this is second in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I was drawn to this series from the first page of Book One, Riverbend Gap. As a lover of the outdoors, I envision the beauty of the North Carolina mountains and can feel the trail magic that surrounding the area as I read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson-FICTION, Thomas Nelsonfor the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
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